Stafford Rangers chairman Rod Woodward resigns

Crisis club Stafford Rangers were today rocked by the shock resignation of chairman Rod Woodward.

It is thought Woodward, who is also stepping down as a director, has been suffering from ill health.

His departure was announced at last night's AGM. Woodward did not attend but instead a brief statement was read out by his nephew Neil Kelly, in which the chairman announced he wanted to spend more time with his family.

The statement read: "I have decided, after seven years at the club, to commit more time to being with my family and would like to take this opportunity to thank all existing and former directors for their continuous support and dedication to me and the club.

"I would also like to thank all staff, shareholders, stakeholders and volunteers for their hard work and desire to make the club successful.

"Finally, I would like to thank the life blood of the club, the fans, for their continued support to the team and the board as it has always been exemplary.

"I have been honoured to act as a custodian of the club and wish all involved every success for the future."

Woodward departs with Rangers facing almost certain relegation to the fourth tier of non-league football. Their demotion from the Evo-Stik Premier will be confirmed tomorrow if they fail to beat Buxton.

This week manager Graham Heathcote – their third boss of the season – branded the club's set-up as "unprofessional" after two contracted players arrived ten minutes into Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at Grantham.